Strong prices were to the fore at the annual fatstock sale in Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday 2 December, held by the Midlands and Western Livestock Improvement Society.

The committee were quite content with the outcome of the show and sale. Lourda McGowan, society secretary, said that ‘the quality of stock available on the day was exceptional’.

There were 32 classes in total, with strong demand from factory agents, butchers and farmers.

The top price was €4.65/kg which was received for a group of three Belgian Blue heifers weighing 430kg.

However, prices were marginally back on last year due to slightly reduced demand and a lower beef trade.

Other prices were:

  • Seven Blonde heifers with an average weight of 553kg sold for €1,600 (€3.00/kg).
  • Five Blonde heifer weanlings with an average weight of 388kg made €1,220 (€3.09/kg).
  • Four Butcher’s heifers averaged 505kg, sold for €1,545 (€3.06/kg).
  • Seven Simmental weanlings averaging 372kg sold for €1,130 (€3.04/kg).
  • Two Angus male calves with an average weight of 345kg sold at €1,025 (€2.97/kg).
  • Seven Angus female calves with an average weight of 322kg sold for €940 (€2.91/kg).
  • Three Charolais bull weanlings weighing 472kg on average sold for €1,420 (€3.01/kg).
  • Six Charolais bulls weighing 365kg on average sold for €1,610 (€4.54/kg).
  • Eight Charolais females with an average weight of 432kg sold for €1,650 (€3.82/kg).
  • Twenty one Charolais heifers weighing 320kg on average sold for €1,190 (€3.71/kg).
  • A Limousin weanling bull weighing 400kg sold for €1,200 (€3.00/kg).
  • Fifteen Limousin heifers weighing 394kg on average sold for €1,440 (€3.65/kg).
  • Ten Limousin heifers weighing 325kg sold for €1,450 (€4.46/kg).
  • Seven Belgian Blue weanling bulls weighing 467kg sold for €1,280 (€2.74/kg).
  • Twelve Belgian Blue bulls weighing 370kg on average sold for €1,270 (€3.43/kg).
  • Three Belgian Blue heifers weighing 430kg on average sold for €2,000 (4.65/kg).
  • As reported last week, the top price in the sales ring was €3,400 which Oliver Walsh received for his Limousin heifer weighing 285kg.

    Other top prices achieved for weanlings were as follows:

  • €3,200 for a Charolais heifer weighing 210kg, owned by Peter Carney, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris.
  • €3,000 for Belgian Blue heifer weighing 405kg owned by James & Enda McGee, Glasson, Athlone.
  • €2,950 for a Charolais bull weighing 345kg owned by Martin Harold, Glenswilly, Letterkenny.
  • €2,780 for a Belgian Blue heifer weighing 335kg owned by William Boyd, Ardara, Donegal.
  • €2,220 for a Limousin heifer weighing 380kg owned by David Clarke, Tubbercurry.